MADRID

It seems that things are finally turning around for Spain’s real estate market. Buyers and investors had once shied away from the region because of low employment rates, unstable real estate values and a shaky bank economy due to the European debt crisis, but the market is now steadily rising.

When Design Hotels planned the opening of their newest property, The Principal Madrid, they hoped it would be popular with its turn-of-the-century architecture, opulent suites and rooftop bar—but little did they know just how popular it would become.

The four skyscrapers of the Cuatro Torres Business Area (CTBA) on the Paseo de la Castellana give Madrid a pretty impressive skyline, and it’s about to get better. The city’s financial district will soon be getting a fifth tower, built right next to the La Paz public hospital, courtesy of business magnate Juan Miguel Villar Mir.

Madrid may be in the middle of Spain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a relaxing day at the beach. The city does have the Manzanares river winding through it though, which allows for plenty of water-based activity opportunities (especially thanks to the revitalizing Madrid Rio project). But it’s just not the same as spending the day by the sea.

Founded in 1966, Madrid’s La Trainera is a classic seafood restaurant located in the middle of the Salamanca district. Using all of its own boats, fish farms and markets, the eatery serves customers food that is literally straight from the sea. The interior décor is very fisherman-minimalist, with ship helms and lifebuoys on the walls, which allows the fresh fish to take the spotlight.

Plaza de Colón in the heart of the Salamanca district is known for its honoring of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus (there are even two statues of the man); so it’s no surprise that it’s where the unique gastronomic experience Platea Madrid can be found. Spanning two floors, Platea explores a variety of global regions (just like Columbus) with their array of international cuisine.

Since its soft debut in late 2014, The Table By pop-up restaurant at URSO Hotel & Spa has been treating guests to a new kind of dining experience, one that features a new chef and different interiors each month. Celebrating some of Spain’s most renowned culinary talents, The Table By completely transforms itself at the arrival of each new chef, from its décor to the wine list.

If you're hungry, look away, because these photos from Marieta in Madrid are definitely going to be tough on an empty stomach. Though the eatery opened this summer, it's still pretty fresh to the city’s bustling restaurant scene.

It was both good and bad news for the restaurants in Spain this season when 19 new eateries were awarded Michelin stars for their outstanding cuisine. But while they were celebrating their acceptance to the exclusive club of elite dining establishments, others were lamenting that 2015 would not see Spain awarded the most distinguished of honors—the Michelin three star award.

Four driving packages have recently become available at various Intercontinental Hotel & Resort locations throughout Europe. Looking to burn rubber in exotic vehicles while calling incredible resorts your base of operations? Check out one of these programs from InterContinental:

41 properties join the Preferred Pride program across the globe as part of the Preferred Hotel Group. With celebrations from Europe to America to Africa, the celebrations of legalized marriage and civil unions are exciting news for the LGBT commu... Read More

They say there’s no place like home, and as a San Diego dweller, I couldn’t agree more. Unless of course, you’re talking about going to Madrid, then I might have to make an exception. Add a stay at a Four Seasons hotel, and I’m there. Luckily, Four Seasons is opening a Madrid property within the next four years, its first-ever in Spain. The new hotel will set up residence in a series of heritage buildings that make up the Canalejas complex, located walking distance to city center and popular landmarks.... Read More

For business travelers seeking a little luxury and a lot of technology on their travels through Europe, there is good news: Meliá Hotels International has announced its third Innside by Meliá hotel in Madrid, the Innside Madrid Suecia, scheduled to open in 2014.

It will be located in the same building as the classic Madrid hotel "Suecia", very close to the Gran Via area and monument to Cibeles. After a full restoration, and within the classical structure, the building will house a modern cutting-edge designer hotel with 127 rooms, a lounge bar and a spectacular penthouse patio, in addition to a restaurant, meeting rooms and a gym.... Read More

Hotel Villa Magna is stepping out on a limb to bring Madrid a Mexican Gastronomy Week, which will feature a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes to satiate appetites looking for rich foods, heavy meals and a plethora of spices and chilies. Without having to step foot outside of the Hotel Villa Magna, guests... Read More

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk has been exhibiting across the United States, showcasing the luxury fashion designer’s provocative work that ignited ideas revolving around sexuality, gender issues and multiculturalism.... Read More

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